The Story of Prophet Musa (A.S.) in the Quran | Pharaoh, Miracles and the Parting of the Sea
The Story of Prophet Musa (A.S.)
Prophet Musa (A.S.), known as Moses, was one of the greatest messengers of Allah. His story appears in several chapters of the Qur’an, including Surah Al-Qasas, Surah Taha, Surah Al-A‘raf, and Surah Ash-Shu‘ara. His life teaches us courage, patience, trust in Allah, and resistance to oppression.
The Cruelty of Pharaoh
Prophet Musa was born during the rule of Pharaoh, a proud and cruel king. Pharaoh oppressed the Children of Israel and treated them like slaves. He ordered that their newborn sons be killed while their daughters were allowed to live.
Musa’s mother was naturally afraid for her baby. Allah inspired her to feed him and, when she feared for his safety, place him in a chest and put it into the river. Allah promised that Musa would be returned to her and would become one of His messengers.
Trusting Allah, she placed her baby in the river. The chest was carried toward Pharaoh’s household, where it was discovered. Pharaoh’s wife saw the child and persuaded Pharaoh not to kill him. She hoped that they might adopt him or benefit from him.
Meanwhile, Musa’s mother was overcome with grief. She sent Musa’s sister to follow the chest from a distance. Baby Musa refused to drink milk from every woman who was brought to feed him. Musa’s sister then told Pharaoh’s household about a family that could care for him. In this way, Allah reunited Musa with his own mother, who became his nurse without revealing his identity.
Allah had fulfilled His promise. Musa was now safe in Pharaoh’s palace while still receiving the care of his mother. This part of the story is mentioned in Surah Al-Qasas, verses 7–13.
Musa Leaves Egypt
Musa grew into a strong and wise man. One day, he entered the city and saw two men fighting. One belonged to the Children of Israel, while the other belonged to Pharaoh’s people. The Israelite asked Musa for help.
Musa struck the Egyptian man, and the man died. Musa had not intended to kill him. He immediately recognised his mistake and asked Allah for forgiveness. Allah forgave him.
The next day, a man came running and warned Musa that Pharaoh’s leaders were planning to kill him. Musa left Egypt in fear and prayed:
“My Lord, save me from the wrongdoing people.”
— Surah Al-Qasas, 28:21
Musa in Madyan
After a long and difficult journey, Musa reached the land of Madyan. There, he found a group of shepherds giving water to their animals. He also noticed two women standing away from them with their flock.
Musa asked why they were waiting. They explained that they could not water their animals until the other shepherds had left and that their father was an elderly man. Musa helped them by watering their flock. He then sat under a tree and prayed:
“My Lord, indeed I am in need of whatever good You send down to me.”
— Surah Al-Qasas, 28:24
One of the women later returned and invited Musa to meet her father. After hearing Musa’s story, the elderly man reassured him that he was now safe from Pharaoh’s people. One of the women described Musa as strong and trustworthy.
The man offered one of his daughters in marriage to Musa on the condition that he work for him for eight years, though completing ten would be an act of generosity. Musa accepted the agreement and remained in Madyan.
Allah Speaks to Musa
After completing his term, Musa left Madyan with his family. During the journey, he saw a fire near Mount Sinai. He went toward it, hoping to bring back some information or a burning branch for warmth.
When Musa reached the place, Allah called him in the sacred valley of Tuwa and chose him as a prophet. Allah commanded him to worship Him and establish prayer.
Allah asked Musa what he held in his right hand. Musa replied that it was his staff, which he used for support and for bringing down leaves for his sheep. Allah commanded him to throw it down. When Musa did so, the staff turned into a moving serpent.
Musa became frightened, but Allah reassured him and told him to pick it up. It returned to its original form. Allah also commanded Musa to place his hand under his arm. When he brought it out, it appeared shining white without illness. These were signs from Allah.
Allah then commanded Musa to go to Pharaoh because Pharaoh had exceeded all limits. Musa prayed:
“My Lord, expand for me my chest,
and ease for me my task,
and untie the knot from my tongue
so that they may understand my speech.”
— Surah Taha, 20:25–28
Musa also asked Allah to appoint his brother Harun (Aaron) as his helper because Harun spoke more clearly. Allah accepted his prayer and made Harun a prophet alongside him.
Musa and Harun Face Pharaoh
Allah ordered Musa and Harun to speak gently to Pharaoh, even though he was a tyrant. They went to him and delivered Allah’s message. They commanded him to worship Allah and release the Children of Israel.
Pharaoh proudly asked who their Lord was. Musa answered that their Lord was the One who created everything and guided it. Pharaoh rejected the truth and accused Musa of being a magician.
Musa showed him the miracles of the staff and the shining hand. However, Pharaoh remained arrogant. He gathered the most skilled magicians in Egypt and arranged a public contest.
The Contest with the Magicians
On the appointed day, a great crowd gathered. Pharaoh’s magicians threw down their ropes and staffs, which appeared to move like snakes because of their magic. Even Musa felt some fear.
Allah told him not to be afraid. Musa threw down his staff, and it became a real serpent that swallowed what the magicians had produced.
The magicians immediately understood that Musa’s miracle was not magic. It was a sign from Allah. They fell in prostration and declared:
“We believe in the Lord of Harun and Musa.”
— Surah Taha, 20:70
Pharaoh became furious. He threatened to cut off their hands and feet on opposite sides and crucify them. But the magicians refused to abandon their faith. They preferred Allah’s forgiveness over Pharaoh’s punishment.
Their transformation is a powerful example of sincere faith. They had begun the day hoping to receive a reward from Pharaoh, but they ended it ready to sacrifice their lives for the truth.
Signs Sent to Pharaoh’s People
Despite witnessing clear evidence, Pharaoh and his leaders continued to reject Allah’s message. Allah sent several signs upon them, including floods, locusts, lice, frogs, and blood.
Whenever punishment came, Pharaoh’s people asked Musa to pray for its removal and promised that they would believe. However, when Allah removed the suffering, they broke their promise and returned to disbelief.
Their repeated dishonesty showed that they were not searching for the truth. Their pride and desire for power prevented them from accepting it.
The Crossing of the Sea
Allah commanded Musa to lead the Children of Israel out of Egypt during the night. When Pharaoh learned that they had escaped, he gathered his army and chased them.
At sunrise, Pharaoh’s forces came close to the Children of Israel. In front of them was the sea, and behind them was Pharaoh’s powerful army. Musa’s companions became terrified and said that they would certainly be caught.
Musa remained firm and replied:
“No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.”
— Surah Ash-Shu‘ara, 26:62
Allah commanded Musa to strike the sea with his staff. The sea split apart, creating dry paths through the water. Musa and the Children of Israel crossed safely.
Pharaoh and his soldiers followed them into the sea. When Musa and his people reached the other side, the water returned to its normal state. Pharaoh and his army drowned.
As Pharaoh was drowning, he declared belief in the God of the Children of Israel. However, his declaration came too late because he had spent his life rejecting the truth and spreading corruption. Allah preserved his body as a sign for later generations. This event is mentioned in Surah Yunus, verses 90–92.
Lessons from the Story
The story of Prophet Musa teaches us never to lose hope in Allah. When Musa’s mother placed her baby in the river, Allah protected him. When Musa left Egypt alone and afraid, Allah gave him safety, employment, and a family. When he stood before Pharaoh, Allah supported him with miracles. When he was trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s army, Allah opened a path where no path appeared to exist.
The story also teaches that worldly power does not last forever. Pharaoh had wealth, soldiers, and authority, but none of them could save him when Allah’s judgement arrived. Musa possessed only faith and a staff, yet Allah gave him victory over the most powerful ruler of his time.
Another important lesson is that believers must speak against injustice. Musa did not remain silent before Pharaoh. However, Allah initially commanded Musa and Harun to speak gently to him. This shows that truth should be presented with wisdom, clarity, and good character.
Moral: Trust Allah even when a situation appears impossible. Pride and oppression eventually lead to destruction, while faith, patience, and courage lead to Allah’s help and ultimate success.
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